Six Cyclones Named Academic All-Big 12

AMES, Iowa – Six members of the Iowa State volleyball team were named to the 2013 Academic All-Big 12 Volleyball Team, the conference office announced Tuesday. Five Cyclones were named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team in Mackenzie Bigbee, Kristen Hahn, Morgan Kuhrt, Caitlin Nolan and Natalie Vondrak, and Victoria Hurtt was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Second Team.

Hahn, a kinesiology major, was named to the First Team for the third-consecutive season. The senior Libero has led the Big 12 in digs per set for most of the season and has climbed her way up to fourth in the NCAA in the category.

The other five Cyclones earning Academic honors are all first-time recipients of Academic All-Big 12 honors. Bigbee, Hurtt and Nolan have been consistent presences in the Iowa State line-up this season. Bigbee, an engineering major, has been ISU’s star attacker this season, leading the Cyclones in kills per set and also developing as an all rotations player. Hurtt, an advertising major, has been stepping up her game as of late, rediscovering the form that made her an All-American last season. Nolan, a pre-business major, has been one of ISU’s most crucial passers in 2013 and her serving has been among the best in the Big 12, and has helped make ISU the top serving team in the Big 12.

Kuhrt, also a pre-business major, has played in all but one match for the Cyclones this year, offering an alternate at all positions along with a strong service game. Vondrak, a history major, stepped in early in the season for an injured Tory Knuth and brought great energy to the Iowa State lineup.

To qualify for Academic All-Big 12, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of their team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA while the second team selections hold a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

No. 24 Iowa State returns to the court on Wednesday when the Cyclones host No. 22 Kansas at 6:30 p.m. inside Hilton Coliseum.